Including Taiwan in INTERPOL Would Help Bolster Global Security

People walk through the entrance hall of INTERPOL's headquarters in Lyon, central France, on Nov. 8, 2018. AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani

Commentary

Taiwan’s exclusion from the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) represents a significant gap in global law enforcement efforts, undermining international efforts to tackle pressing issues such as cybercrime, human trafficking, and cross-border fraud.

Taiwan, as a highly developed economy with advanced policing capabilities, is well-positioned to provide critical intelligence and expertise to global law enforcement. However, its exclusion from INTERPOL prevents access to vital communication networks and international crime databases. This creates blind spots not only for Taiwan, but for all INTERPOL member countries, as valuable information, including intelligence on drug trafficking, financial crimes, and emerging cybercrime techniques, is withheld.

Furthermore, the exclusion of Taiwan undermines the integrity of the international security network. In today’s interconnected world, collaboration is essential to address transnational threats effectively. By not allowing Taiwan to participate, the global fight against terrorism, illicit drugs, telecom fraud, and other crimes is compromised. As criminal syndicates become more sophisticated, law enforcement agencies worldwide are deprived of crucial insights that Taiwan could offer on new criminal methods and forged passports.

Canada’s Crime Challenges: A Potential Solution

According to the relevant reports from the Canadian government, Canada is facing severe challenges from transnational criminal networks, including allegations of illegal Chinese “police stations” operating within its borders to monitor and intimidate the Chinese diaspora. Organized crime networks with ties to countries like China, Iran, and Russia have infiltrated Canada’s financial and political systems, weakening national security.

Welcoming Taiwan into INTERPOL would enable Canada and other countries to leverage Taiwan’s policing expertise in combating human trafficking, telecom fraud, and cybercrime. Taiwan’s law enforcement agencies have proven their mettle in dismantling fraud syndicates and tracking money-laundering operations. This potential partnership could bring a new wave of hope in the fight against transnational crime.

Taiwan-US Cooperation: A Model of Success

This year, Taiwan’s collaboration with the United States led to the dismantling of a telecom fraud operation targeting Taiwanese and Chinese in the U.S. and even in Canada. Through a collaborative effort, authorities from Taiwan and the U.S. dismantled fraud networks operating across Taiwan, the U.S., and Cambodia, resulting in the interception of over 1.26 million fraudulent calls daily. These efforts not only reduced financial losses for victims but also highlighted Taiwan’s capability to effectively collaborate with international partners.

China: A Political Obstacle

China’s political stance has significantly hindered Taiwan’s international participation. Beijing’s relentless opposition has barred Taiwan from joining crucial international organizations like INTERPOL. Such political tactics not only prioritize geopolitical interests over global crime combat but also send a distressing message about the state of international relations.

Taiwan’s police authorities are willing to participate in INTERPOL mechanisms based on equal status and remain determined to protect people’s well-being. Taiwan’s commitment to working with the world in the fight against transnational crime is unwavering. Canada and other like-minded countries are urged to advocate for Taiwan on the international stage. Now is the time to support Taiwan’s bid to participate as an observer in the upcoming 92nd INTERPOL General Assembly in Glasgow, UK, and to ensure its engagement in INTERPOL meetings, mechanisms, and activities. This includes access to the I-24/7 global police communications system and INTERPOL training programs.

Right now, the status quo works well for China—it prevents Taiwan from being recognized and included—while working well for criminals. It just doesn’t work well for Taiwanese law enforcement or, most importantly, global security. It’s time for change.

Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.